Quick answer
In Hawaii, registration is required for: All undocumented vessels used in Hawaii waters. Registration is handled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), is valid for 1 year (annual renewal), and costs $20.00 to $40.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Hawaii, registration is required for: All undocumented vessels used in Hawaii waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All undocumented vessels used in Hawaii waters
Exempt from registration:
- Federally documented vessels (exempt from state registration)
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 60 days
Registration Fees & Costs
Hawaii boat registration fees range from $20.00 to $40.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 4% sales tax, and title fees are $20.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New registration < 20 ft | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| New registration 20+ ft | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Annual renewal < 20 ft | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Annual renewal 20+ ft | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 4%
Title Fee: $20.00
How to Register Your Boat in Hawaii
To register a boat in Hawaii, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (annual renewal).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) portal
- In Person: At your local Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Hawaii Boat Title & Title Transfer
Hawaii requires a boat title for all undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021). The title application fee is $20.00, and transfers cost $30.00.
Title required: Yes — All undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021)
Title application fee: $20.00
Title transfer fee: $30.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels from titled states)
- Bill of Sale or registration document from previous state
- Valid photo ID
- Late title fee ($40) if after September 30, 2022 and untitled
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Hawaii
If you are selling a boat in Hawaii, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in HI |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021); title transfer fee is $30.00. |
| Tax | 4% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Hawaii Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (annual renewal)
Hawaii boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current HI state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Hawaii requires a boater safety course. Operators of motorized vessels with more than 10 HP must complete a NASBLA and State-approved safety course; PWC operators must be 15+ and complete additional thrill craft certification. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 15.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Operators of motorized vessels with more than 10 HP must complete a NASBLA and State-approved safety course; PWC operators must be 15+ and complete additional thrill craft certification
Accepted courses: Hawaii-approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 15 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: HI 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
Hawaii Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Hawaii?
Do I need a title for my boat in Hawaii?
Is boater education required in Hawaii?
Can non-residents operate boats in Hawaii?
What are the launch ramp fees in Hawaii?
Are there new rental vessel rules for 2026?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Hawaii? Visit the official Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) at 808-587-1970 for the most current information.